<![CDATA[Rachel Brauer - College of Nursing]]>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 06:24:42 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Monthly eNews Sample]]>Mon, 24 Sep 2018 04:00:00 GMThttp://www.rachelbrauer.com/collegeofnursing/monthly-enews-sampleAbout this document: In my position, I was charged with contributing to and compiling the College of Nursing's monthly eNewsletter. 
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          September 2018
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Where there is a Nurse, There is Change
From her first job working in a medical records department to becoming the MSU College of Nursing’s Associate Dean for Community Engagement and Public Service and Director for Diversity and Inclusion, Denise Ferrell, DNP, RN, is driven by curiosity and public service. 

“While two patients may have the same diagnosis, I believe nurses should provide individual and personalized care,” said Ferrell. “In other words, you can’t put all of your patients into one box. When caring for patients, we need to use a holistic approach and examine them mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.”
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A Delay is Not a Denial
Growing up in Joliet, IL, it was rare for me to see a woman play an important role in the workforce. As a young girl, I often wanted to spring into action and save my family as they struggled with high blood pressure, diabetes, breast cancer, and obesity. As I grew and learned more about common illnesses and diseases that plague underrepresented populations, I developed an interest in nursing.

Nurses are superheroes who spring into action.
  • Nurses save lives;
  • remain calm under pressure;
  • and make things happen in an emergency.
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If I had been Queen instead of Dean
Melanie Dreher: Visiting Scholar and Thought Leader

As educators, we prepare students whose careers will last 50 years. The challenge is that we have no idea what the next 50 years is going to bring.

How do we begin to think about this? I think that we might tend to demure from it because we’re worried that if we don’t know everything, we can’t teach everything. Let’s move forward and make our students continuous learners, make sure that they are flexible, make sure that they are open, and make sure that they have a foundation. That their career goal is helping people to live well and that we have to use all the available technology and the technology of the future to help us fulfill that mission. If we could do that, then we wouldn’t have to worry so much about the future.
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NEW FACULTY & STAFF

Ann Annis, PhD, MPH, RN, is an Assistant Professor tenure faculty member. Her research focus is on the application and measurement of care delivery processes.

Sherry Bumpus, PhD, MS, FNP-BC, is an Associate Professor tenure faculty member. She practices as a Family Nurse Practitioner at the HOPE Center in Ypsilanti, MI. Her program of research is with cardiac patients and outcomes research.
Jessica Ery, MSN, RN, APRN, CNM, is an Assistant Professor teaching in the undergraduate traditional nursing program. She comes to the College of Nursing with over twelve years of practice experience.

Kristine Rose, MSN, RN is an Instructor teaching in the undergraduate nursing program. She comes to the College of Nursing from Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing in Peoria, Illinois where she taught for over 10 years.

Karen Springer, BSN, is the Administrative Assistant for Community Engagement & Public Service. Karen has been at MSU for 12 years working in a variety of roles at the Residence Education and Housing Services, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, and College of Human Medicine. 

Tsui-Sui Annie Kao, PhD, FNP-BC, is an Associate Professor tenure faculty member. Her research focus is in family research among ethnically diverse populations, particularly in exploring ways to reduce adolescent risky health behaviors. 

​PUBLICATION SPOTLIGHT

The Oncology Nursing News published the article "Meditation App Benefits Hospice and Palliative Care Clinicians" written by Rebecca Lehto, PhD, RN and Carrie Heeter, PhD.

Gastroenterology Nursing published the article, “A Mobile App to Increase Informed Decisions About Colorectal Cancer Screening Among African American and Caucasian Women: A Pilot Study” written by Kelly Brittain, PhD, RN and PhD student Kendra Kamp.
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]]><![CDATA[A Delay is Not a Denial]]>Fri, 15 Jun 2018 04:00:00 GMThttp://www.rachelbrauer.com/collegeofnursing/a-delay-is-not-a-denialAbout this Document: Towards the end of my time as the Writer for MSU's College of Nursing, I began ghost writing because our stories authored in the first person performed better on social media than those in third person. For this particular piece, I was charged with directing the photo shoot of the individual featured and designing the pull-quote in Adobe Illustrator. 
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Growing up in Joliet, IL, it was rare for me to see a woman play an important role in the workforce. As a young girl, I often wanted to spring into action and save my family as they struggled with high blood pressure, diabetes, breast cancer, and obesity. As I grew and learned more about common illnesses and diseases that plague underrepresented populations, I developed an interest in nursing.
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Nurses are superheroes who spring into action. 
  • Nurses save lives;
  • remain calm under pressure;
  • and make things happen in an emergency. ​​
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A Community of Global Leaders
As the first person in my family to attend college, I was looking for a program with a smaller class size, sense of community, and diversity. I found that MSU’s College of Nursing offered that. 

Spartans are stronger, bolder leaders who empower, global thinkers, and courageous individuals who work together for the greater good. As a global university, the College of Nursing expands beyond our countries borders to solve problems. The diversity and inclusion at MSU give its nursing students a leg up at bridging the gap between culture and healthcare. 

The beauty of nursing is it is so versatile, and the sky is the limit. I am at a point in my life where I want to try new things. 

Gaining Experience in Nursing
Once a week, I facilitate a Smoking Cessation Class at Care-Free Medical Clinic educating the under-served and low-income community in Lansing. For those in attendance, we provide free support — and cover the cost of smoking to a person's health and the people around them. We also discuss the best strategies for quitting. I find it rewarding to make a difference in the community and improve health outcomes as a nursing student. 

Through this experience, I learned to make connections and communicate with people from all walks of life, such as those with mental health issues, drug addictions. My favorite part of this experience is working with people one-on-one and learning about them as individuals.

As a REPID (Research Education Program to Increase Diversity in Health Researchers) scholar, I have been given the opportunity to learn valuable lab skills and gain a research mentor on campus. I am working as a lab assistant in Biomedical Research studying Acetaminophen (Tylenol). I run experiments and collect data on overdose and its effects on the liver (Acute Liver Injury) with Dr. Bryan Copple, associate professor for Pharmacology & Toxicology.

As a result, I have learned that the behind-the-scenes work of research is just as important as bedside care. Research helps me think creatively and always question why. It also has taught me to pay attention to detail, the importance of accuracy, and to document precisely. 

My favorite part of this experience is learning new skills in the lab. I feel like I am contributing to improvements in healthcare.

A Delay is not a Denial
These experiences will help me become a better communicator and more well-rounded. I will be a nurse of many hats and endless opportunities when I begin my career to provide the most effective care.

Take every opportunity because you never know if it could become a new passion. I am a strong believer that every experience has a lesson that shapes you. One of my favorite sayings is “A delay is not a denial." If I took every no I have ever gotten and given up, I would not be at MSU achieving my dreams.

Special Thanks 
I could not have done this without the support of my mom, friends, and God. It took a community to get me to this point in my life.

Makayla Robinson
Traditional BSN student
REPID scholar
]]><![CDATA[Spartan Nurse Monthly: What You Need to Know about the New Shingles Vaccine]]>Tue, 15 May 2018 04:00:00 GMThttp://www.rachelbrauer.com/collegeofnursing/january-19th-2019About this document: As the former writer for MSU’s College of Nursing’s Marketing and Communications team, I proofed a variety of documents. More notably, the Spartan Nurse Monthly’s, which feature hot takes on pressing health concerns authored by the esteemed professors at MSU’s College of Nursing. I edited the technical information so it could easily be read by someone not versed in the healthcare vernacular. ​

The Spartan Nurse Monthly’s are featured on the College of Nursing website and social platforms, as well as the monthly e-Newsletter.
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​#SpartanNurses
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Have you ever had the “chickenpox”? Most people over the age of 30 had this virus in their childhood. After a person recovers from varicella (chickenpox), the virus becomes inactive and lives along a nerve pathway. This shingles virus, also known as herpes zoster, can resurface at any time causing significant discomfort. This pain is described as itchy, burning, and painful when touched.
In October, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) approved a new shingles vaccine, Shingrix®, for adults 50 years and older. The other shingles vaccine, Zostavax®, has been the only recommended shingles vaccine since 2006. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends Shingrix® as the preferred vaccine to prevent shingles (CDC, 2018) as it is more effective and provides longer immunity.

Symptoms and Treatment Options
Lying along the route of a nerve, shingles causes significant pain and usually appears as a rash. There are some cases where a rash never appears. However, when the rash does surface, it looks like red bumps that develop into fluid-filled blisters. 

They can be itchy, painful to the touch, or both. Although the infection can occur anywhere on the body, the most common location is the side of the torso. It only appears on one side and does not cross the center of the body. If located on the face near the eye, damage to the eye can occur and be quite serious. 

Unfortunately, the pain associated with shingles, post-herpetic neuralgia, can cause significant discomfort for many months or even years after the rash has healed. It is frequently debilitating and difficult to treat (Dooling, et al., 2018).

Vaccination is the best method to prevent shingles and its associating complications. Zostavax® and Shingrix® are both available to consumers. The older vaccine, Zostavax®, contains the live virus and cannot be given to anyone with a low immune system. The new vaccine, Shingrix®, does not contain live virus and is safe for those with a mildly low immune system. This includes persons taking low-dose steroid medications or who do not have a spleen. The CDC has not yet approved the vaccine for persons with HIV or those receiving immune suppressive therapy (CDC, 2018).

FAQs about the New Vaccine (Shingrix®)
  • What if I already had the old vaccine (Zostavax®)? 
    You can still receive the new vaccine if you already have had the old vaccine. It is recommended that two months pass before getting the new vaccine (CDC, 2018).
  • What if I have already had shingles? 
    Even if you have had shingles, you can get infected again. The vaccine is the best method to prevent this. If you have a current shingles infection, it is advised to get the vaccine after the rash symptoms are gone.
  • What if I have never had chickenpox? 
    Over 90% of the population 50 years and over has had exposure to chickenpox, so it can be assumed that the virus is in your system and you will benefit from the vaccine. The CDC does not recommend testing for chickenpox exposure prior to receiving the vaccine (CDC, 2018).
  • How is Shingrix® administered? 
    Shingrix® is administered in two doses, 2-6 months apart. It is important to not forget the second dose for the best immunity.
  • What are the side effects of Shingrix®? 
    As with any vaccination, there may be tenderness at the vaccine site. Reactogenicity, or the production of a hyperactive immune response, can occur after vaccination and typically lasts 2-3 days. Symptoms include pain or redness at the site of the shot, headaches, and shivering. This reaction is more common in adults under the age of 70. Ask your healthcare provider how to manage these symptoms.
  • Is it expensive? 
    According to Consumer Reports (2018), Shingrix® costs approximately $280 for the two doses ($213 for Zostavax®). There may be an administration fee charged by the pharmacy or clinic. Most private health insurance plans cover vaccines recommended by the CDC. 

    It is always best to call your insurance company to ask about your coverage and out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Part D/Medicare Advantage covers the cost of Shingrix® with a prescription from your healthcare provider, although there may be a co-pay required. Medicare Part B does not cover either shingles vaccines (US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 2018).

Kara Elena Schrader
DNP, NP-C
Family Nurse Practitioner
Assistant Professor, Health Programs

Additional Information 
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingles/public/shingrix/index.html

References
]]><![CDATA[The Warning Signs of Domestic Violence with Vincent Gannon-Piacentini]]>Tue, 23 May 2017 04:00:00 GMThttp://www.rachelbrauer.com/collegeofnursing/the-warning-signs-of-domestic-violence-with-vincent-gannon-piacentini
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​May 23, 2017
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In 2010 Yeardley Love, a female lacrosse player weeks away from graduation, was beaten to death by her boyfriend. As a response to their daughter’s tragic death, Yeardley’s family set up The One Love Foundation, dedicated to educating people about relationship violence. Upon hearing this story, Traditional BSN student and Lacrosse player Vincent Gannon-Piacentini trained as a facilitator to equip others with the tools necessary to distinguish the fine line between love and control.

“The issue of relationship abuse hits close to home for me and I felt as a future nurse, I have a responsibility to help any way I can,” explains Gannon-Piacentini.
As a trained facilitator, Gannon-Piacentini is able to host Escalation workshops. It entails watching a 90-minute film which is split into three segments called Escalation. The first 40 minutes are meant to educate participants of the warning signs of relationship violence, followed by a 40-minute guided discussion about the content of the video, while the last 10 minutes is an activation period for students to brainstorm about ways to engage their local community.

Warning Signs and Facts about Relationship Violence
  • Domestic/dating violence is a pattern of controlling behaviors that one partner uses to get power over the other. Examples include:
    • Physical violence 
    • Threat of physical violence 
    • Emotional or mental abuse 
    • Sexual abuse
  • 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will experience relationship violence in their lifetime.
  • Every 9 seconds a woman is assaulted or beaten.

While his first escalation event didn’t attract any College of Nursing students, Gannon-Piacentini refuses to be discouraged and hopes this story will inspire his peers to attend future events.

“I think this experience has shaped me to continue to discuss and educate topics that often make people uncomfortable,” remarks Gannon-Piacentini.

​Resources:
]]><![CDATA[Fighting Poverty Through Simulation ]]>Fri, 11 Nov 2016 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.rachelbrauer.com/collegeofnursing/fighting-poverty-through-simulation
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​November 11, 2016

The first community-based poverty simulation event at MSU’s College of Nursing provided 83 students with a first-hand experience of the realities of living in poverty. This event was led and coordinated by Roxane Chan and Emily McIntire.

Moving away from traditional forms of teaching styles, such as PowerPoint-based lectures, this interactive event was designed to provide students with a more memorable educational opportunity.
“This simulation provided students with a mock “month in poverty.” We were able to simulate experiences that may be faced by families of lower income, in turn providing students with the opportunity to “feel” some of the frustrations, worries, and difficulties.  Providing our students with this opportunity may help sensitize them to the issue at hand, with hopes they may become leaders of combating the struggles faced by the impoverished, particularly how it can affect health promotion and healing,” says Emily McIntire, Simulation Lab Coordinator.

By placing students in defined roles and situations of the impoverished through simulation, it puts them in the mindset to understand these harsh realities. This allows for breakdown of these complex, socially constructed stereotypes of the working poor. After completing the simulation, a dialogue can be started between participants regarding methods of change communities can take to address this detrimental issue.

This is important because, “Nurses are the largest group of healthcare providers. Preparing them to have an educated opinion and the skill set needed to address health and social policy will empower them to change the world for the better,” says McIntire.

A few examples of the situations students could’ve been put into during the Poverty Simulation as referenced by The Community Action Poverty Simulation Plan are:

  • A single parent with limited resources and no transportation must find a way to get to work and get their child to daycare.
  • An elderly person must find a way to pay for both utilities and medication.
  • A young adult must care for siblings while their parent is incarcerated.
  • An elderly couple must raise their grandchildren and deal with their own health and employment issues.
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The poverty simulation goes beyond strictly igniting social reform. It also examines how lack of wealth ultimately leads to the decrease in one’s overall health.

​“Recent research regarding the epigenetic effect of the living environment has provided a direct link between the social determinants of health and the development of all forms of chronic disease and mortality," says Roxane Chan, Assistant Professor. "These research results describe such things as the dysregulation of the immune system due to actual and perceived loneliness, how the experience of adverse childhood experiences leads to the development of all forms of chronic disease and the link between toxic stress caused by living in high risk environments and infant mortality."

This innovative learning opportunity allows for more compassionate care while engaging with patients, as future Spartan Nurses can now draw upon what they learned through simulation of a life in poverty.

“In this way students understand the importance of family and community capacity as it impacts individual health and quality of life,” says McIntire.

​This simulation is part of the NUR 324 course and will occur each semester the class is offered.
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